Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 25 January 2017
97. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if all persons accused by persons (details supplied) with regard to allegations of abuse were interviewed; if all the locations of alleged abuse mentioned in the accounts were visited and investigated; if any of the institutions mentioned are still operating as facilities which care for children; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3321/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have requested a report from the Garda authorities in relation to this matter and I will contact the Deputy directly when the report is to hand.
The following deferred reply was received under Standing Order 42A:
I refer to your recent Parliamentary Question (No. 97 of 25 January 2017) where the Deputy sought:
"....if all persons accused by persons (details supplied) with regard to allegations of abuse were interviewed; if all the locations of alleged abuse mentioned in the accounts were visited and investigated; if any of the institutions mentioned are still operating as facilities which care for children.....".
As he will recall, I was unable to respond fully at the time pending a report from the Garda authorities and I undertook to contact him again when the report was to hand. I am now informed that this matter was reported to An Garda Síochána in 2011 and was the subject of an investigation.
Following this investigation, a file was submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in December 2014, who directed there be no prosecution.
As you are aware, the DPP is independent in the performance of her functions and it is not open to me to intervene in this regard.
I hope that you find this information useful.
